2020- 21 NOTIFICATION OF AWARD GUIDE - Please keep this guide for future reference - University of St ...
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2020-21 NOTIFICATION OF AWARD GUIDE Please keep this guide for future reference. stthomas.edu/financialaid/undergraduate
TABLE OF CONTENTS Award Notification Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2020-21 Estimated Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2020-21 Financial Aid Deadlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Gift Aid and Work-Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Federal and State Grant Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Information for Transfer Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Federal Loan Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Supplemental Loan Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Federal PLUS or Private Loans: Which is Better?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 How to Obtain a Federal Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Outside Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Information Regarding Special Circumstances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 St. Thomas Payment Plans and Billing Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Student Account Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 St. Thomas Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Financial Aid Policy Regarding Withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Where to Say “Thanks” for the Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 NAVIGATING THIS DOCUMENT When viewed digitally, clicking on web addresses will open that website in your preferred web browser. NOTE: Please be advised that all financial aid programs (need- and non-need-based) are subject to change. Most often the changes are a result of changes to federal and/or state programs and regulations. Information in this guide is accurate as of January 2020. Notification of Award Guide 2
AWARD NOTIFICATION INFORMATION
MURPHY ONLINE: THE ST. THOMAS STUDENT
INFORMATION SYSTEM
St. Thomas students can use Murphy Online to view their
student accounts and financial aid records. All students
are issued a username and password required to access
this system. To view your financial aid records on the
Murphy Online Information System:
1 From any St. Thomas web page (stthomas.edu), select
“OneStThomas” located in the header.
2 Log in to the OneStThomas secured area using your
username and password.
3 Select “Apps & Tools” from the header and search
“Murphy Online.”
RESPONDING TO YOUR
NOTIFICATION OF AWARD 4 Log in to Murphy Online and select “Financial Aid.”
The Notification of Award is for your records. To respond
to this award notice, please go to stthomas.edu/awarded and From this page you have several menu choices to access
follow the instructions provided. your records:
Financial Aid Status: Select an academic year to view your
1 Accept or decline any federal or state work-study award or review your account summary, financial aid
offered. This is not a contract or a guarantee of employment. history and the estimated cost of attendance used to
By accepting work-study, you are simply indicating you are prepare your financial aid award.
interested in student employment opportunities and you
plan to apply for an on-campus job. Students not eligible for Eligibility: Review any “Student Requirements” needed to
federal or state work-study still can participate in on-campus process financial aid or select “Academic Progress” to check
employment. All students, regardless of eligibility, can your current status.
review available jobs and submit applications online at
Award: Review your financial aid award and student
stthomas.edu/jobs.
account summary. The “Award Payment Schedule” shows
estimated disbursement dates and “Loan Application
2 Accept or decline your loan(s). If you would like to History” provides information about your student loans.
accept but reduce the amount of your loan(s), please
indicate the reduced amount you wish to borrow in the FINANCIAL AID ADJUSTMENTS:
space provided. If you accept your loan(s), we will contact If there are changes in your financial situation, it is
you with detailed instructions on how to complete any your responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office. If
loan requirements at a later date. any adjustment to your financial aid is required, you
will receive a revised award notice. Changes in your
3 Report your enrollment plans for each semester. financial situation might include the receipt of additional
Your notification of award is based on anticipated education resources (e.g., external scholarships, veterans
enrollment of 16 credits each semester (fall semester and education benefits, etc.) or actual education costs that are
spring semester). If you enroll in less than 16 credits, substantially different than what our office has estimated.
your aid will be reviewed and some adjustments may
be necessary.
University of St. Thomas
3
2020-21 2021
UNDERGRADUATE COSTS J-TERM COSTS
Costs for the 2020-21 academic year will not be final Enrollment for J-Term courses is optional. J-Term eBills
until February 2020. Final costs will be posted to the are sent in December with payment due in full by Jan.
fi nancial aid website (https://www.stthomas.edu/ 19. J-Term and spring enrollment will be combined for
admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/costs/future- federal and state financial aid purposes only.
students/) as soon as they are available.
TUITION
The cost information provided here was used to package Tuition for J-Term is discounted and equal to 50 percent
financial aid. While these figures are estimated, students of the per credit tuition charge set for the fall and spring
should not expect their financial aid eligibility to change semesters. Additional technology and facilities fees are
once costs are finalized. If financial aid is adjusted for any assessed during J-Term (if enrolled).
reason, including changes in the cost of attendance,
students will receive a revised award notice. ROOM/RESIDENCE HALL
There is no additional charge to live on campus during
ESTIMATED TUITION J-Term if you are a resident in campus housing during the
Per semester (12-18 credits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,174 fall and spring semesters.
Per school year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$46,348
Per credit (less than 12 credits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,404.50 BOARD/MEAL PLANS
Registration Overage (above 18 credits) . . . . . . . . . .$1,500* Supplemental meal plans are offered during J-Term but
*Registration Overage fee is a per semester, non-refundable charge in the event are not required.
the student registers for more than 18 credits. There are no additional tuition
charges beyond the coverage fee for any credits registered for above 18 credits.
ESTIMATED REQUIRED FEES 2021
Total required fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,036
SUMMER COSTS
ESTIMATED ROOM/RESIDENCE HALL
Enrollment in summer session is optional. Summer
Average double room cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,423
session eBills are sent in May with the first payment due
by June 19. Summer session enrollment is not combined
ESTIMATED BOARD/MEAL PLANS
with any other term of enrollment for financial aid purposes.
Average cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,480
TUITION
ESTIMATED INDIRECT COSTS . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,513
Tuition for summer session is discounted and equal to
Indirect costs may include: books, supplies,
50 percent of the per credit tuition charge set for the
transportation, personal expenses and potential loan
subsequent fall semester.
fees. We provide an estimate of these costs for your
planning purposes.
Additional fees are assessed for summer session
enrollment. Housing for summer may be available for
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE
an additional charge. No meal plans are offered during
FOR THE 2020-21 ACADEMIC YEAR summer session.
(Total Financial Aid Budget). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,800
No institutional grant or scholarship funds are available
during summer session and/or J-Term with the exception
of some full-tuition scholarships.
Notification of Award Guide
4
2020-21
FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES
AUG. 1, 2020
All requested documents and forms must be submitted to
the Financial Aid Office by this date to ensure that funds
awarded to a student will be available by the start of the
fall semester.
SEPT. 22, 2020
Your financial aid for fall semester will be adjusted using
your official registration as of this day. It is imperative that
your registration is finalized by this date.
OCT. 8, 2020
FEB. 10, 2021
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for
Your financial aid for spring semester will be adjusted using
2020-21 must be received by the federal processor on or
your official registration as of this day. It is imperative that
before this date to be considered for Minnesota State Grant
your registration is finalized by this date.
funds for fall semester 2020.
MARCH 2, 2021
NOV. 16, 2020
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for
Applications for J-Term financial aid will be available in
2020-21 must be received by the federal processor on or
the Financial Aid Office and online.
before this date to be considered for Minnesota State Grant
funds for spring semester 2021.
NOV. 30, 2020
Students who are enrolled only for fall semester jeopardize
APRIL 12, 2021
their chances of receiving aid if they have not finalized
Applications for summer financial aid will be available in
their financial aid file by this date.
the Financial Aid Office and online.
A student’s financial aid file must be complete (i.e., all
forms and documents submitted and error free) to allow
MAY 1, 2021
Students jeopardize their chances of receiving aid if they
the Financial Aid Office staff adequate time to process
have not finalized their financial aid file by this date.
financial aid for fall semester.
A student’s financial aid file must be complete (i.e., all
Any documents and forms received after this date will
forms and documents submitted and error free) to allow
be processed, if time permits, but the availability of
the Financial Aid Office staff adequate time to process
financial aid (grants, loans, etc.) for fall semester only is
financial aid for the 2020-21 academic year.
not guaranteed.
Any documents or forms received after this date will
DEC. 22, 2020
be processed, if time permits, but the availability of
This is the last day of fall semester. No aid can be processed
financial aid (grants, loans, etc.) for the 2020-21 academic
after this date for students who plan to enroll only for
year is not guaranteed.
fall semester.
MAY 21, 2021
JAN. 2, 2021
This is the last day of spring semester. No aid can be processed
All requested documents and forms must be submitted
to the Financial Aid Office by this date to ensure that after this date for the 2020-21 academic year.
funds awarded to a student will be available by the start of
spring semester.
University of St. Thomas
5
GIFT AID AND WORK-STUDY
ST. THOMAS SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
These scholarships and grants are funded by the university or
established by donors as gifts to the university. Recipients
are selected according to the terms of the
scholarship program or the donor. Incoming first-
year students who are offered a St. Thomas
Scholarship or Founders Grant may receive funding for
eight semesters (fall and spring semesters only) or until
graduation, whichever comes first, provided the student
meets the necessary renewal criteria. To renew St. Thomas
Scholarship funding, recipients must remain consecutively
enrolled as a full-time St. Thomas student, achieve at least
a 2.0 grade-point average and maintain satisfactory academic
progress (see page 16). Recipients of some scholarship
funds will be contacted by the St. Thomas Development
Office with instructions on sending a letter of appreciation
to the donor of their funds. Scholarship funds that require a
thank-you letter will be disbursed to a student’s St. Thomas
account after the Development Office notifies the Financial
Aid Office that this requirement has been satisfied.
VETERANS EDUCATION BENEFITS
Military veterans and/or their dependents may be entitled
to a variety of benefits to assist with educational expenses.
More information regarding the certification of veterans
benefits, the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Program and
other resources is available at stthomas.edu/veterans.
which range from $500 to $4,000 per year. Work-study
FEDERAL AND STATE WORK-STUDY
compensation starts at $11.50 per hour and may
The Federal and State Work-Study programs
increase based on the responsibilities required for the
provide students an opportunity to work on campus or
position. Work-study earnings are subject to federal and
in a few positions located off campus in the
state income taxes, but in most cases are not subject to
community. Being awarded work-study is not a guarantee of
FICA tax. Income earned from work-study is made
a job. Students at St. Thomas apply for and obtain their
available to students in the form of a paycheck, direct
own jobs. Students with a Federal or State Work-
deposit into a bank account or as a payment toward a
Study award are given priority for positions, provided
student’s bill. Work-study awards are listed on the
they have the required qualifications. Available
Notification of Award as financial aid. It is up to the
positions will be posted on the Human Resources
student to decide how, or if, work-study earnings will be
website (stthomas.edu/jobs). First-year students may
used to pay the student’s bill.
begin looking for campus employment after they attend
orientation and have registered for classes. St. Thomas also
offers job opportunities with a number of community
partners for students eligible for Federal and State Work-
Study programs. These positions are also posted on the
Human Resources website.
Students generally work approximately 10-12
hours per week to earn their work-study awards,
Notification of Award Guide
6
FEDERAL AND STATE GRANT PROGRAMS
Eligibility for the following federal and state grant MINNESOTA STATE GRANT
programs is based on the results of the Free Application for These state funds do not have to be repaid and are awarded
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based grant programs to Minnesota residents who demonstrate financial need.
are available to students who demonstrate exceptional Unless otherwise specified, the Minnesota State Grant
financial need. indicated on your Notification of Award is based on
enrollment of 15 or more credits per semester. If you plan
FEDERAL PELL GRANT to enroll in fewer than 15 credits per semester, you must
Students are eligible to receive the full-time maximum as inform the Financial Aid Office and your award will be
long as they are enrolled in three courses (12 credits) or recalculated. The University of St. Thomas must ensure
more each semester. Federal Pell Grant recipients are that you meet all eligibility and residency requirements to
eligible to receive full-time Pell Grant funding for a receive Minnesota State Grant funds. If we cannot clearly
maximum of six academic years (12 semesters). establish this from the information we have on file, you
will be sent a State of Minnesota Financial Aid Application
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL to complete and return to our office. Your Minnesota State
OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG) Grant cannot be finalized until this determination is made.
Availability of SEOG funding is limited and awarded to
students who qualify until funds are exhausted. SEOG OTHER MINNESOTA STATE AID PROGRAMS
funding can range from $250 to $4,000 each year. The state of Minnesota offers additional aid opportunities
including the Postsecondary Child Care Grant, Minnesota
Indian Scholarship, Public Safety Officer’s Survivor Grant,
Teacher Candidate Grant, and MN GI Bill for eligible
veterans from Minnesota. More information is available at
ohe.state.mn.us.
University of St. Thomas
7
INFORMATION FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
UST TRANSFER AWARDS
FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS
Transfer awards are funded by the university or established
Please refer to page 7 of this guide for a complete
by donors as gifts to the university. Students who are offered
listing of federal grants.
a UST Transfer Award may receive funding for a maximum
of 192 total credits (attempted St. Thomas credits plus all
transferred credits) or until graduation, whichever comes MINNESOTA STATE GRANT
first, provided the student meets the necessary renewal Please refer to page 7 of this guide for more
criteria. To renew UST Transfer Award funding, recipients information about the Minnesota State Grant program.
must remain consecutively enrolled as a full-time St. Thomas
student, achieve an institutional GPA of 2.0 or higher and
maintain satisfactory academic progress (see page 16). UST TRANSFER STUDENT MONITORING PROCESS
Transfer Award funds only are disbursed during the fall and/
All new transfer students who have applied for financial
or J-Term and spring semesters.
aid are monitored by the U.S. Department of Education
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Federal
ST. THOMAS GRANTS regulations do not allow students to receive federal grants
St. Thomas grants are funded by the university or established and loans simultaneously at more than one institution.
by donors as gifts to the university. St. Thomas Grant funds are The University of St. Thomas is notified by NSLDS if
awarded to transfer students who demonstrate financial need another school has processed financial aid for a transfer
as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student student during the same academic year. The University of
Aid (FAFSA). These grant funds are awarded on a first-come, St. Thomas can begin monitoring students 30 days prior
first-served basis and eligibility is determined every year. to the beginning of the term. The Financial Aid Office is
To receive a St. Thomas Grant (if eligible), students must unable to process and disburse financial aid for students
enroll at least half time (6 or more credits), remain enrolled during this initial monitoring period. It typically takes two
consecutively at St. Thomas and maintain satisfactory weeks for this initial monitoring period to take place and
academic progress (see page 16). St. Thomas Grant funds for financial aid processes to resume. Students remain on
only are disbursed during the fall and spring semesters. the NSLDS monitoring system for 90 days.
Notification of Award Guide
8
FEDERAL LOAN PROGRAMS
FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS INTEREST RATE
4.53 percent for the 2019-20 academic year. This rate
A Federal Direct Loan is a long-term, fixed-rate loan made
is set annually for new loans. Once the rate is set it is fixed
available to students. Typically, every student who files
for the life of the loan. The interest rate for 2020-21
the FAFSA is eligible to borrow a Federal Direct Loan. Federal Direct Loans should be similar but will not be
Students may qualify to have a portion of their federal known until June 2020.
loan eligibility subsidized based on their financial need as
determined by the FAFSA. A student must be enrolled at DEPENDENT ANNUAL LIMIT
least half time (6 credits) to be eligible to borrow a Federal First-year student: $5,500 (up to $3,500 may be subsidized)
Direct Loan.
Sophomore: $6,500 (up to $4,500 may be subsidized)
Junior/Senior: $7,500 (up to $5,500 may be subsidized)
Subsidized: The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is awarded
INDEPENDENT ANNUAL LIMIT
to students who demonstrate financial need as determined
Dependent annual limit
by the FAFSA. Interest on a Federal Direct Subsidized +
Loan does not accrue while the student is enrolled at least First-year student/Sophomore: $4,000
half time (6 credits). Interest begins to accrue six months (always unsubsidized)
after graduation or when enrollment for fall or J-Term and Junior/Senior: $5,000 (always unsubsidized)
spring semester falls below half time.
AGGREGATE LIMIT
Unsubsidized: The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Dependent: $31,000 (no more than $23,000 may
is not a need-based loan. Interest accrues on this loan be subsidized)
prior to repayment. The student has the option to make Independent: $57,500 (no more than $23,000 may
be subsidized)
interest payments during the in-school period, or to allow
the accrued interest to be capitalized (added on) to the FEES
principal balance at repayment. 1.059 percent origination fee, effective through
Sept. 30, 2020.
REPAYMENT TERM
Typically 10 years, begins six months after student
graduates, leaves school for any other reason or
enrollment is reduced to less than half-time.
University of St. Thomas
9
SUPPLEMENTAL LOAN OPTIONS
FEDERAL DIRECT PLUS LOAN FOR PARENTS To apply for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan in the
For families who need to borrow beyond the Federal Direct student’s name, contact the Financial Aid Office. Under this
Loan limits, the Parent PLUS Loan is one option. The option, the student is limited to borrowing a maximum of
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is available for parents to an additional $4,000 if he or she is a first-year student or
borrow on behalf of dependent undergraduates who are sophomore and an additional $5,000 if he or she is a junior
enrolled at least half time (6 credits). A credit analysis or senior.
is required. Students must have a current FAFSA on file
INTEREST RATE
in order for their parent(s) to apply for a Federal Direct
7.08 percent for the 2019-20 academic year. This rate is
Parent PLUS Loan. More information is available at set annually for new loans. Once the rate is set it is fixed
stthomas.edu/otherloans. for the life of the loan. The interest rate for 2020-21
federal Parent PLUS Loans should be similar but will not
When a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is Denied Due to
be known until June 2020.
Parent’s Credit
If a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is denied because
ANNUAL LIMIT
of a parent’s credit history, families have three options. Total cost of education minus any other financial
The parent may appeal the decision due to extenuating aid received
circumstances, secure a credit-worthy endorser (co-signer)
for their PLUS Loan or the student may borrow an additional FEES
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. For information about 4.236 percent origination fee, effective through
Sept. 30, 2020.
appealing a denial or using an endorser, the parent should
contact the Student Loan Support Center at (800) 557-7394.
REPAYMENT TERM
If a denial is overridden by either an appeal or adding an Up to 10 years. Principal and interest repayment begins 30
endorser, the parent borrower is required to complete online to 60 days after final disbursement. Parent borrowers may
loan counseling before the PLUS Loan can be disbursed. request deferment if necessary.
PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LOANS If you decide to borrow a private educational loan, you
Before applying for any private educational loan, students are encouraged to carefully evaluate the terms of each
should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid loan program to determine which loan will best suit
(FAFSA) to take advantage of the federal student loans your needs. Some lenders offer private education
awarded to all students. We believe it is in the best interest loans for parents, family members or other individuals
of our students to borrow all of the federal loans available to to help pay for a student’s education. The University of
them before pursuing any private educational loan. Private St. Thomas is willing to work with any lender to provide
educational loans are loans made by banks or other lending the supplemental financing needed to pay remaining
institutions specifically for the purpose of funding expenses educational expenses on our campus.
associated with post-secondary education. These financing
instruments offer rates that are competitive when compared
to secured loans such as car loans or home mortgages that
require collateral. A student’s eligibility to borrow a private
educational loan is based on the terms of each loan and
the student’s overall credit profile, including repayment on
prior credit obligations, and their current use of credit. A co-
signer generally is required. More information is available
at stthomas.edu/otherloans.
Notification of Award Guide
10FEDERAL PLUS OR PRIVATE LOANS:
WHICH IS BETTER?
Before borrowing any supplemental loan (PLUS or private), we recommend that all students utilize the federal subsidized
or unsubsidized loans they have been awarded. Even though a student’s federal loan eligibility may not provide the total
amount needed to cover their remaining expenses, it is still in the student’s best interest to take advantage of federal
funding rather than securing one larger supplemental loan for the total amount needed. When deciding what type of
supplemental financing to use in conjunction with a student’s federal loan eligibility, we encourage families to consider
the differences between the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan and other private educational loans.
FEATURE FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT PLUS LOAN PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LOANS
Interest Rate Fixed at 7.08 percent for the Variable and fixed rates available, usually no cap.
2019-20 academic year. Many programs reset monthly or quarterly. Usually
based on a consumer index (prime, commercial
paper, LIBOR, etc.) plus a margin.
Borrower Loan is in parent’s name and is nontransferable. Typically the student, with a credit-worthy co-signer
who bears equal responsibility for the loan. Some
lenders offer loans that parents or other individuals
may borrow to cover a student’s expenses.
Loan Amounts Up to the cost of student’s education minus other Minimum and maximum borrowing limits vary
financial aid. from lender to lender.
Fees 4.236 percent origination fee, effective through Fees vary from lender to lender. May include
Sept. 30, 2020. origination and/or repayment fees.
Repayment Terms • Generally repayment begins within 60 days after • Interest accrues while student is in school. Some
full disbursement. programs require students to make minimum
• Length of repayment is 10 years from the start of monthly payments or interest-only payments
principal payments. while in school. If deferred, repayment usually
begins six months after student graduates or
leaves school.
• Length of repayment varies, usually 10-30 years.
Qualifying Based on credit history; debt-to-income is not Varies from lender to lender, but debt-to-income
considered, making it easier to qualify. ratio is often considered in credit decision.
Effect on Will show as debt on credit report of parent. Will show as debt on credit report of student
Credit Report and co-signer.
Parent borrowers may request deferment Deferment of principal and interest is often
Deferment/ of principal and interest payments as long available as long as the student is enrolled at
Forbearance as their student is enrolled at least half time. least half time. However, some lenders only offer
Unemployment and economic hardship also may deferment of principal. Some lenders may offer
qualify parent for deferment or forbearance. forbearance. Check with lender for details.
Cancellation Loan discharged if parent or student dies or if Loan discharge policy based on student’s
parent suffers total and permanent disability. disability or death varies by lender.
University of St. Thomas
11HOW TO OBTAIN A FEDERAL LOAN The Financial Aid Office at St. Thomas automatically awards Federal Direct Loans based on financial aid eligibility, which is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans are available, but are not automatically awarded. Students and parents who participate in federal loan programs are required to have their loan records submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Loan records on NSLDS will be accessible to guarantee agencies, lenders and colleges determined to be authorized users of the data system. FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS To obtain a Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, students must accept the loan(s) via Murphy Online. Once loans are accepted, students borrowing for the first time at St. Thomas will receive a request to take the following steps: Entrance Loan Counseling This online counseling requires student borrowers to read and answer questions about the Federal Direct Loan Program. It is intended to inform students of their rights and responsibilities as borrowers in the program. Go to studentloans.gov to learn more and complete a counseling session. Complete MPN The MPN is the official document a student borrower signs promising to repay his orher Federal Direct Loan. The MPN is completed online at studentloans.gov using your FSA ID as an electronic signature. Students who have borrowed in a previous year from the Federal Direct Loan Program may not be required to complete another MPN. FEDERAL DIRECT PLUS LOAN FOR PARENTS To apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents, the parent borrower must log in to studentloans.gov using their FSA ID username and password and select “Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan.” Information on this form will be used by the U.S. Deptartment of Education to initiate the application and credit authorization on the parent’s behalf. The parent borrower listed on the application or credit authorization must sign an online MPN using his or her FSA ID before any loan funds may be disbursed. Notification of Award Guide 12
OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
This past year, St. Thomas students received just over Loan(s) or work-study award will be adjusted first. Contact
$2.7 million in private scholarships awarded by local the Financial Aid Office if you have questions about how aid
foundations, community agencies, clubs, social and received from outside sources may affect your overall aid
fraternal organizations, parents’ employers, etc. These package. Students may report their outside scholarships on
scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors Murphy Online or by submitting an Outside Aid Information
such as financial need, academic achievement, ethnicity, Form.
community involvement, leadership, career plans and fields
of study. It is truly worth a student’s time to search for DISBURSEMENT
these opportunities. Our office provides several tools to In most cases, the donor of your scholarship will provide
help you search for outside scholarships. specific details regarding how and when the funds
will be disbursed or if you are required to submit any
$cholartips, a bi-monthly e-newsletter, helps St. Thomas
documentation to the donor before any funds will be
students identify scholarships sponsored by outside
released. Please contact the donor if you have questions
organizations and agencies.
regarding your private scholarship.
Our website also offers links to free online scholarship
If your donor sends a check to you, endorse the check if
searches, tips for students applying for private scholarships
needed and forward it to the Financial Aid Office. If the
and information about scholarship matching programs.
donor sends the check to the Financial Aid Office, you will
be contacted by email if your scholarship check requires
REPORTING
your signature. Private scholarship checks will be applied
Students receiving funding from outside sources must to your student account as they are received.
notify the Financial Aid Office of these additional funds.
If we are required to revise financial aid due to a student’s Unless your donor provides specific instructions, private
receipt of other resources, the student’s Federal Direct scholarships will be credited to your student account in
full, provided you are enrolled as a full-time student.
INFORMATION REGARDING SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
If there are special circumstances that affect your Acceptable reasons to file a Special Circumstance
ability to pay for educational expenses, you may Application include:
submit a Special Circumstance Application to inform your
financial aid counselor of your situation. You may download • Death or disability of a parent or spouse
the application at stthomas.edu/financialaid/undergraduate/ • Divorce or separation of parent or student
publicationsforms or contact the Financial Aid Office to have • Medical, dental or dependent care expenses not
one mailed to your home. reimbursed by insurance or by an employer’s pre-tax
cafeteria plan
Please note that costs associated with lifestyle choices or • Unemployment
consumer debt (e.g., house or car payments, living without • Loss of child support and/or taxable Social Security
roommates, credit card purchases, etc.) and changes in benefits
income due to overtime, one-time bonuses, withdrawal • Business or farm closed due to bankruptcy,
from retirement accounts or gambling losses cannot be foreclosure or natural disaster
taken into consideration. • Private high school, junior high or elementary tuition
expenses for other family members
• Parents’ or spouse’s personal college loan payments
• Parent enrolled in college in 2019 or 2020 paying out-
of-pocket college tuition expenses
University of St. Thomas
13ST. THOMAS PAYMENT PLANS AND BILLING PROCEDURES
ST. THOMAS PAYMENT PLANS The University of St. Thomas Payment Agreement and
Your student account may be paid in full at the beginning Disclosure Statement must be completed prior to or during
of each semester (Sept. 19 for fall semester, Feb. 19 for the initial enrollment process and on file in the Business
spring semester) to avoid finance charges. Office before a student can register for classes.
All students have the option to make monthly installment WHEN IS FINANCIAL AID CREDITED TO
payments during the semester to ensure full payment of YOUR ACCOUNT?
their account by the end of each semester. A minimum
Grants and St. Thomas Scholarships
payment is required by the 19th of the following month,
Federal grants will be credited to your account no earlier
totaling four payments for the semester. The remaining
than 10 days prior to the start of the term, assuming your
balance, after the minimum payment has been deducted,
financial aid file is complete. Institutional grants and
will incur a 1.1 percent finance charge each month.
scholarships as well as state grants will be credited to your
account no earlier than 15 days prior to the start of the
PAYMENT OPTIONS
term, assuming your financial aid file is complete. J-Term
St. Thomas accepts cash, check or electronic payments. and spring enrollment will be combined for federal and
Cash and check payments can be made in person at the state financial aid purposes but not institutional grants
service window located on the first floor of Murray-Herrick and scholarships.
Campus Center outside the Business Office or mailed to:
Student Loans
University of St. Thomas Most student loans will be disbursed in two equal
Business Office payments. Generally, St. Thomas will receive half your
Mail 5002 loan proceeds at the beginning of the fall semester and
2115 Summit Ave. the remaining half at the beginning of the spring semester.
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096 Your fall and spring loan disbursements will be credited
to your student account after the 10th day of each term. If
Electronic payments can be made using your checking
you are borrowing a supplemental educational loan from
account, savings account or Visa, Mastercard, Discover
a lender that cannot forward your funds to St. Thomas via
or American Express credit card. Please note that a 2.75
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), your loan funds will be
percent convenience fee will be assessed on credit card
mailed via paper check. Once you endorse your paper loan
payments. All electronic payments are processed through
check in the Business Office, the funds will be credited to
the university’s eBill system. Parents may make electronic
your student account.
payments on their student’s account after the student adds
the parent as an authorized user on the account. Student Employment
Earnings from student employment may be credited
BILLING PROCEDURES to your student account once you have secured a job,
Billing statements are produced in electronic format only; completed all required paperwork and have earned
paper billing statements will not be mailed. You will be wages. When completing the employment paperwork,
billed on a per-term basis, with the opportunity to pay in you determine what percentage of your earnings will
four monthly installments throughout each semester. The be applied to your account. Earnings are paid biweekly
first eBill for the fall semester will be sent to the student’s to your student account, in a paycheck or direct deposit
St. Thomas email account on or around Aug. 24. This date to your bank account. If you choose to use your student
is Jan. 24 for the spring semester. The optional J-Term employment earnings to pay your remaining account
and summer sessions are separate billing terms, and any balance, any outstanding monthly balance is subject to a
charges for J-Term or summer session are due in full by the 1.1 percent finance charge.
end of the term.
Notification of Award Guide
14STUDENT ACCOUNT ACCESS
PROXY ACCESS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS The proxy access system will prompt the student to set
During the college search process, the Financial Aid Office a unique passphrase for each proxy. Financial aid staff
is free to discuss the particulars of a financial aid offer members will require a proxy to use their passphrase before
with parents and guardians. However, once a student is sharing protected information over the phone. Parents and
attending courses at the University of St. Thomas, their guardians will not need their passphrase to communicate
student account is protected by the Family Educational with our office via email. However, financial aid staff will
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). At this point, students only include protected information in an email response
must provide a parent or guardian with special permissions being sent to a confirmed proxy email address.
before the Financial Aid Office can discuss any privileged
General questions about financial aid are always welcome
information regarding financial aid records.
and do not require this access.
Proxy access also provides parents, guardians or other third
Accepted students may designate one or multiple proxies
parties with view-only access to certain sections (selected
on their student account at any time. For complete
by the student) of the student’s Murphy Online record.
instructions and more information about proxy access,
please visit stthomas.edu/proxy.
University of St. Thomas
15ST. THOMAS SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY
Undergraduate students receiving financial aid must: and “I’s.” Courses that are repeated are counted each time they
• Complete 67 percent of all attempted credits are attempted. All transfer credits accepted by the institution
• Achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA are counted as attempted. Audit credits are not counted.
after the end of four semesters of enrollment. Semesters
Completion Rate (Degree Progress)
are defined as fall, J-Term and spring (combined), and
Students must satisfactorily complete 67 percent of all
summer for purposes of this policy.
credits attempted. Satisfactory grades are “A,” “B,” “C,”
• Obtain a first bachelor’s degree within 192 attempted credits
“D” and “S.” Unsatisfactory grades are “F,” “R,” “I” and
Programs Covered by this Policy “W.” Failure to maintain a 67 percent completion rate will
All federal, state and institutional financial aid programs result in a warning for the next semester. Failure to bring
are subject to this policy including scholarships and awards, the overall completion rate up to 67 percent during the
grants, loans and work-study. warning semester will result in suspension.
Minimum Cumulative Grade-point Average
ELIGIBILITY
Federal regulations require a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Students must have a high school diploma or GED in order
after the end of the second academic year. Undergraduate
to receive financial aid. Students enrolled in nondegree
baccalaureate students who have attempted four semesters
programs are not eligible to receive financial aid. Students
and do not have the minimum required GPA are ineligible
must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens to qualify for
to receive financial aid until their cumulative GPA is above
federal and/or state financial aid.
2.0. Cumulative GPA is calculated on all courses attempted at
Monitoring Progress St. Thomas and all transfer credits accepted by St. Thomas.
A student’s progress will be monitored at the end of each
Unsatisfactory Status
semester. The assessment will be based on the student’s
A student whose status is determined to be unsatisfactory
entire academic record, including any coursework completed
is not eligible to receive financial aid until he or she meets
through the Dougherty Family College and all transfer credit
one of the following conditions:
hours from other institutions accepted by the university.
• Continues to attend St. Thomas (or another institution)
Admission or readmission to the University of St. Thomas or
at his or her own expense and returns to full compliance
academic standing as defined by the Registrar’s Office does
with all parts of the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy
not necessarily constitute maintaining satisfactory academic
• Submits an appeal demonstrating extenuating circumstances
progress for purposes of financial aid.
and is approved to receive financial aid with conditions
Repeated Coursework
Right to Appeal
A student may choose to repeat courses in order to improve
Students who have had their financial aid suspended due
a grade. Repeating courses may increase GPA, but all credits
to unsatisfactory academic progress may appeal to the
are counted as attempted including repeated credits. Once a
Financial Aid Office. The written appeal must be submitted
student has received a passing grade in a course, a student
within 15 days of notification of unsatisfactory status and
can receive financial aid for only one repeat of that course.
must be accompanied by all relevant documentation.
Transfer Credits
Students Seeking a Second Baccalaureate Degree
All college-level courses taken outside of the University of St.
Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree are only
Thomas and accepted for credit at the university are counted as
eligible for federal loans (if they have not reached the aggregate
transfer credits. Transfer credits include those earned during
limits of the loan program) and private loans. Such students are
regular enrollment at another post-secondary institution as
expected to receive their second degree within the maximum
well as those earned during the completion of a student’s high
time frame as stated above and will be held accountable to all
school diploma or GED (e.g., AP, IB, PSEO, CIS and CLEP).
other measures of progress. Exceptions to the maximum time
Maximum Time Frame frame policy may be made on an individual basis. An appeal
Undergraduate baccalaureate students are eligible to receive to extend the maximum time frame must include a full degree
financial aid for a maximum of 192 attempted credits. evaluation and graduation plan approved by an academic
Attempted credits include all “F” and “R” grades and all “W’s” adviser and supporting statement from the adviser.
Notification of Award Guide
16FINANCIAL AID POLICY REGARDING WITHDRAWAL
RETURN OF TITLE IV (FEDERAL) AID 1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
If you withdraw from the University of St. Thomas during 2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
a semester, J-Term or summer session, a calculation of 3. Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
earned versus unearned federal aid must be determined. 4. Federal Pell Grant
This federal policy assumes you earn your aid based on
5. Federal Supplemental Educational
how much time has elapsed in the term. If you receive
Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
federal financial aid, that aid may be reduced as a result of
6. Other Title IV Aid
your withdrawal.
If you are required to repay a portion of your loan
St. Thomas must complete three steps to comply with the
through the student’s share calculation, you will not
federal policy:
be expected to return those funds immediately, but
1 Determine the withdrawal date. rather when repayment begins according to the terms
and conditions of the promissory note. If your share
includes grant funds, federal rules allow the grant to be
2 Determine the amount of earned federal aid. reduced by 50 percent and the University of St. Thomas
will repay these grant programs on your behalf. You
3Return unearned federal funds to the appropriate will then be responsible for repaying this money to
St. Thomas. If this causes undue hardship, a satisfactory
program(s). However, in order to ensure that you are eligible
payment arrangement can be made with St. Thomas.
to receive financial aid, St. Thomas must first verify with
your instructor(s) that you have attended or participated in
academic activities related to your class(es) for the term. INSTITUTIONAL CHARGES AND
STATE AID REFUND POLICY
You must withdraw officially using Murphy Online
The return of Title IV aid calculation, as cited above, only
or through the Registrar’s Office, which is open from
considers federal funds – not institutional, state or outside
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The withdrawal
funding sources that may be included in your financial aid
date is the date you begin the withdrawal process. If
package. St. Thomas offers tuition refunds if you withdraw
you fail to withdraw officially, the withdrawal date will
from the university according to the following schedule for
become the midpoint of the term unless the university
fall and spring semesters:
can document a later date. In certain circumstances if an
earlier date of last academic activity is determined, this First 14 calendar days of the semester 100%
date may be used in the calculation of “earned” federal aid. 15th through 21st calendar days 80%
22nd through 28th calendar days 60%
If you withdraw before completing 60 percent of the term,
29th through 35th calendar days 40%
you earn federal funds in direct proportion to the length
36th through 42nd calendar days 20%
of time you were enrolled. The percentage of earned aid is
After the 42nd calendar day 0%
determined by dividing the total number of calendar days
enrolled by the total number of calendar days in the term.
If you withdraw during a period of time that allows for
If you complete 60 percent of the term, you earn all federal
a tuition refund, a portion or all of your institutional,
financial aid for the term.
state and/or outside funding may need to be reduced or
The responsibility to repay unearned aid is shared by the canceled. If you receive a 100 percent tuition refund on all
institution (St. Thomas) and the student. The institution’s courses for a particular term, all institutional, state and
share is the lesser of unearned aid or unearned outside funding must be returned to the appropriate aid
institutional charges. The institution’s share must be repaid program(s). If your tuition refund was not used to fully
to the federal aid programs in the following order, before repay the return of Title IV aid, a proportional share of
the student’s share is considered: the remaining tuition refund must be returned to the
appropriate aid program(s).
University of St. Thomas
17WHERE TO SAY “THANKS” FOR THE AID
You are strongly encouraged, and in some cases required, FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID
to express your appreciation for the funds you have To express your appreciation for your Federal Pell Grants,
received. Donors and legislators appreciate hearing how Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants,
the funds they provide make it possible for you to attend Federal Direct Loans or Federal Work-Study, you can
St. Thomas and achieve your educational goals. write your elected U.S. legislators. Contact information is
available for your U.S. senators at senate.gov and for your
ST. THOMAS SCHOLARSHIPS U.S. congressperson at house.gov.
Recipients of endowed or restricted scholarships must
log in to Murphy Online to view whether or not a letter MINNESOTA STATE FINANCIAL AID
of appreciation is required. If a letter of appreciation To express your appreciation for your Minnesota State
is required, the donor information needed to satisfy the Grant, Postsecondary Child Care Grant, Minnesota GI Bill,
requirement will be provided. Scholarship funds are paid Public Safety Officer’s Survivor Grant, Teacher Candidate
to St. Thomas student accounts only after the St. Thomas Grant, Minnesota Indian Scholarship, SELF Loan or
Development Office notifies the Financial Aid Office that State Work-Study, you can write your elected Minnesota
any requirements have been satisfied. legislators. Contact information is available for your
Minnesota Legislature representatives at leg.state.mn.us.
Recipients of St. Thomas funds not requiring a thank-you
may still send a letter of appreciation to the following address:
“Name of Scholarship”
c/o University of St. Thomas Development Office
Mail DEV
2115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096
For further information, contact:
Beth Murphy
University of St. Thomas Development Office
(651) 962-6952 or (800) 328-6819, Ext. 2-6952
beth.murphy@stthomas.edu
Notification of Award Guide
18CONTACT INFORMATION
FINANCIAL AID OFFICE RESIDENCE LIFE
Mail 5007 Mail 5052
2115 Summit Ave. 2115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096 St. Paul, MN 55105-1096
stthomas.edu/financialaid stthomas.edu/residencelife
email: financialaid@stthomas.edu email: reslife@stthomas.edu
fax: (651) 962-6599 fax: (651) 962-6481
For questions about applying for financial aid, eligibility, For questions about residence halls, room selection, meal
financial aid programs, or to schedule an appointment plan options and residence hall registration timelines, call
with a financial aid counselor, call (651) 962-6550 or (651) 962-6470 or (800) 328-6819, ext. 2-6470.
(800) 328-6819, ext. 2-6550.
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
BUSINESS OFFICE – STUDENT ACCOUNTS Mail 5001
Mail 5002 2115 Summit Ave.
2115 Summit Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105-1096
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096
stthomas.edu/registrar
stthomas.edu/businessoffice email: registrar@stthomas.edu
email: busoffice@stthomas.edu fax: (651) 962-6710
fax: (651) 962-6630
For questions about registration or academic transcripts,
For questions about billing and payment options, call (651) 962-6700 or (800) 328-6819, ext. 2-6700.
call (651) 962-6600 or (800) 328-6819, ext. 2-6600.
OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Mail 5017
2115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096
stthomas.edu/admissions/undergraduate
email: admissions@stthomas.edu
fax: (651) 962-6160
For questions about admission to the University of
St. Thomas, call (651) 962-6150 or (800) 328-6819, ext.
2-6150.
University of St. Thomas
192115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096 USA
stthomas.edu
The University of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity educator and employer. St. Thomas
does not unlawfully discriminate, in any of its programs or activities, on the basis of race,
color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, family status, disability, age,
marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local
commission, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
stthomas.edu/eostatement
All programs offered by the University of St. Thomas shall be readily accessible to individuals
with disabilities. For details, call (651) 962-6315.
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